Tag Archives: Acton

Happy 4th of July

June 30, 2016 – 10:44 am

Known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, family gatherings and barbecues.
This weekend you can count on enjoying traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken, ribs, potato salad, chips and watermelon.

A few facts about this Holiday!
· Fourth of July is the federal holiday marking the Colonies’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776,
· The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.
· The oldest, continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the 4th of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island; it began in 1785.
· The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.
· Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird but was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who wanted the bald eagle.
· The “Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and not decreed the official national anthem of the United States until 1931.
· In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. (Today there are over 311 million.)
· here are more than 30 towns nationwide that have the word “Liberty” in their names.
· Approximately 150 million hot dogs are consumed on this day. It’s the biggest hot dog holiday of the year.

Have fun with the children too, visit the link below for fun coloring pages, craft ideas, puzzles and games to celebrate the 4th of July holiday
Image result for 4th of july clip art
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fourth-of-july/

Have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend!

Celebrating Spring Holidays!

March 2, 2016 – 12:53 pm

Celebrating Easter

Easter is celebrated throughout the world by the followers of Christian community. It is believed that this was the day when Christ resurrected after crucifixion. This day is of great significance in the Christian community.

Church services and festive celebrations blend together during the Easter weekend. On Easter Sunday in New York and other cities, large Easter parades are held. The popular trend of Easter symbols such as the Easter bunny and egg tree were introduced to the American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. Gradually American people took to crafts such as egg and Easter tree decoration. Easter in the United States is also a time to enjoy special Easter foods such as baked ham, potatoes and vegetables. Several special recipes are made at each home. Easter parties are also organized where traditional Easter delicacies are served and people enjoy wonderful get together along with Easter games and music.

click here for Easter Crafts and Activities
Observing Passover

Passover is an eight day celebration observed each year in the Jewish religion. It commemorates the freedom of Jewish slaves from Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. Families celebrate Passover by having a seder. With special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration. Seder means order, and the Passover story is read in order from a book called a haggadah.

Click here to read the Passover Story

Christmas Firsts

December 21, 2015 – 10:05 am

Here is a little bit about the history of Christmas traditions in America, from Christmas trees to greeting cards, that we all know and love today.

Christmas Trees

The first American Christmas tree can be credited to a Hessian soldier by the name of Henrick Roddmore, who was captured at the Battle of Bennington in 1776. He then went to work on the farm of Samuel Denslow in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, where for the next 14 years he put up and decorated Christmas trees in the Denslow family home.
The first Christmas tree retail lot was established in 1851 by a Pennsylvanian named Mark Carr, who hauled tow ox sleds loaded with Christmas trees from the Catskill Mountains to the sidewalks of New York City.
The first president to set up a Christmas tree in the White House was Franklin Pierce, and the first president to establish the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn was Calvin Coolidge.
In 1882, the first tree lights were sold in New York City.

Martha’s Great Cake

Although not the first Christmas cake, this is a recipe from our first First Lady, Martha Washington. These are the exact words in which it was written for celebrating what she called “a true Virginia Christmas” at Mount Vernon:

“Take 40 eggs and divide the whites from the yolks and beat them to a froth, start to work four pounds of butter to cream and put the whites of eggs to it a spoon full at a time till it is well worked. Then put four pounds of sugar finely powdered to it in the same way, then put in the yolks of eggs, and five pounds of flower, and five pounds of fruit. Two hours will bake it. Add to it half an ounce of mace, one nutmeg, half a pint of wine, and some French brandy.”

Holiday Cards

The first American to print and sell Christmas cards was Louis Prang of Roxbury, Massachusetts, who began publishing cards in 1875.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower is given credit for sending the first “official” Christmas card from the White House. An art print also became the standard Christmas gift for the president’s staff, a practice continued to this day.

Here comes Santa Claus. . .

The first department store Santa was James Edgar, who, during Christmas seasons beginning in 1890, would wander about his store (the Boston Store) in Brockton, Massachusetts, dressed as Santa Claus, talking to the children of customers.

Holiday Survival

December 11, 2015 – 9:43 am

The Holidays should be a time of joy and excitement. From our experience, we have noticed they can also be a time of stress and disappointment for Host Families and Au Pairs. We would like to offer some ideas and insights that we hope can broaden everyone’s understanding.

Homesickness

First, let’s face the issue of homesickness. Host Families, this can be a problem at this time of year even if it hasn’t been in the past. Important people and places are missed. Our traditions and activities seem “different” just at a time when an Au Pair craves the “familiar” celebration. My observation has been that an Au Pair’s emotions are closer to the surface during the holidays. Her highs are higher, her lows are lower. The enormity of what she is accomplishing…actually living and working in another culture, (which is an amazing thing when you think about it!)… can induce a self-protective mode. You can help her through this unfamiliar territory by talking to her about what your specific family activities will be such as when the candles will be lit, the stockings hung, the gifts given, the meals prepared and eaten, the relatives arriving, etc.. Let her know what you will be doing, when you will be doing it, and what she can expect. Talk to her about what must be accomplished and get her involved. Ask her if she has any favorite holiday foods or traditions that could be incorporated into your celebration. Give her some clear, agreed-upon assignments. Remember, her parents have probably handled the organization in previous years, so don’t expect her to “know” what needs to be done. Make her feel a part of things. And, let her know her contribution is needed and appreciated. Try to cut a little slack, then be pleased with progress.

Au Pairs, regarding homesickness…you knew when you came for a year that family and religious holidays would be a part of that year. If you get involved and active in the family’s plans, I assure you that next year you will be thinking about this family and missing their celebrations! Your Host Family will make many efforts to assure that this holiday in America is special for you. It is important to your Host Family that you acknowledge their efforts. Show your appreciation and participate, participate, participate!!! Look for ways to help. If you aren’t certain, ask! Thinking about someone other than yourself is the best way to manage homesickness.

Routine Changes

Host Families, another problem to consider is how the dynamics of the established relationships and routines change during the holidays. Parents are home more and this demands adjustment for the children as well as the Au Pair. Different work expectations may be needed since the kids may prefer to hover around the parents. This can make an Au Pair feel unwanted and unsure of what is expected of her. She may not see the specific needs of the children other than the usual. The high emotions and energy of the children (compared to their more reasonable behavior during the rest of the year, I’m sure) may be difficult to handle even for the most confident Au Pair. Assure her that this behavior is temporary and will be back to normal soon. In the meantime, suggest specific things she can do to help. Encourage her to roll with the punches and enjoy the energy of the season. The quantity of gifts given to the children and the excesses of gifts, food, decorations, etc. can be overwhelming. In everyone’s best interest, make sure there is some quiet, meaningful time together when the true spirit of the holidays is shared.

Au Pairs, life will be busy and, perhaps, stressful for the Host Family as they do all that they would like during the holiday season. Celebrations don’t just “happen”…there is a lot of work involved in having fun! Your Orientation information from Connecticut, under “Policies and Procedures” very clearly states under “Holidays” that there are no automatic “holidays off.” You are expected to help with the work and responsibility. Your Host Family may not be at their usual jobs, but they are putting in great effort to prepare for the family celebration. Your Host Parents are very successful day to day, but, these same people will be in an absolute panic trying to prepare holiday meals, get all of the toys assembled and wrapped, and create a “perfect” day for their family AND for you. Find ways to help! Play games with the children, bundle them up and take them for walks, visit the library with them, use up some of their energy. This can free the parents for other things. If the children want to be in the middle of the action, then find other ways to help. You can keep the kitchen floor swept, do the extra laundry, prepare lunch when parents are busy. BE CREATIVE about what you can do. During your free time all year, you have the choice to be one of the children or one of the adults in your family…this is definitely the time to be one of the adults! Keep your eyes and hearts open for moments to help out!

Social Life

Host Families, remember that socially, the holidays are a time when Au Pairs want to be with their friends. Christmas Eve, in some countries, is spent with friends rather than family. New Year’s Eve in America is a very special occasion to them. Discuss your plans and expectations with each other. Be as generous with free time as possible.

Au Pairs, if you treat family holidays as a time to disappear every evening, and sleep all day, you can expect to disappoint your family. If you came to learn family customs, then please know that our customs during the holidays include working together, sharing responsibility, and spending time with the extended family. As for ‘New Years Eve,’ all of you would like to have this night off to celebrate, but many of you will be asked to work. If this is part of your responsibility, do it with good grace and cooperation. It is only one night out of your 13 months here! If your Host Parents make arrangements so you can be free, express your appreciation.

Host Families and Au Pairs, these are important days ahead. They will involve adjustment, but will create fun-filled memories if you let them. This is a time of love and understanding. Please do your part to reflect these priorities.

Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season!

HAPPY HANUKKAH

December 6, 2015 – 10:54 am

Festival of Lights

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyous times of the Jewish year. The reason for the celebration is twofold (both dating back to c. 165 BC and the miraculous military victory of the small, ill-equipped Jewish army over the ruling Greek Syrians, who had banned the Jewish religion and desecrated the Temple and the miracle of the small cruse of consecrated oil, which burned for eight days in the Temple’s menorah instead of just one.

Hanukkah is often celebrated by:

Lighting a menorah for eight nights with olive oil or wax candles; one on the first night and an additional one each succeeding night, so that the last night has eight lights
Eating food fried in oil, especially potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts
Playing with a dreidle, a four-sided top; the player wins or loses money depending on which side it lands on (each is marked with a different Hebrew letter)
Celebrating with family and friends

Here are some websites with activities for the kids:

Hanukkah Coloring Pages

Crafts and Activities

June 15, 2015 – 9:04 am

Top Ten – How to Manage Longer Days with Children – When School is out and
APs should always check with their host parents to seek approval for any childcare activities.

10. Start A Summer Scrapbook!

Include drawings, pictures, and journal entries of activities from the summer. It will be special because children and their au pair created it together. This could be a hard version, a computer generated one, a movie of daily clips set to music…..they could even make 2 copies – one for her and one for them to keep!

9. Have a picnic!

Spread the planning and preparation across a few days to get them excited!
First, decide on a location, and have a few choices from which the children can pick. For example, their backyard, a town park or near a pond. Include a rain plan – will they choose an alternate in door solution or go on another date? Create ballots and let them vote!

Make the picnic ‘basket’ —- use a plain box and let the children decorate it!
Then, decide on a menu — look up recipes and shop for the ingredients together….prepare anything that can be done ahead of time — and then when it is “the day,” finish the picnic packing and go!

8. Switch It UP

Have dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner! Plan the menu and prepare together!
Who doesn’t like pancakes for dinner???? (If your host parents don’t, then ignore this one!)

7. Have a Pajama Day!

Plan an indoor PJ day. Choose books to read, cookies to make, a movie to watch, indoor tent with blankets and go! Think of it as a snow day (on a rainy day) in the summer!

6. Two websites with nifty ideas!
Scavenger Hunt

Bubble Mania

5. Park it!

Make a list of area parks. After each visit, have the children critique it….what was good, what did they like about it….what didn’t they like? Create a chart with applicable headings including a rating system. At the end of their comparison, their chart will show them where they like to go for what activities, etc. This is a great hand down tool as well for subsequent au pairs or the parents themselves!

4. Taste Test Day!

Buy several brands of vanilla – and try one bite of each and see what they like best! Or do flavors – let the children choose! Different versions….yogurt tasting, cheese/crackers, salsas or red vs. green grapes!

3. Make a Diorama!

Have children re-create a scene from their favorite book, zoo or outing.

Make a Diorama

2. Have a home book club!

Everyone read the same book – and compare your thoughts on it.
Here are some ideas: http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src- 2015

1. AP Day!

Once a week — have a Day dedicated to the AP’s country! Eat some foods from her country…and have share typical summer activities you did growing up. You can read the children a book in your native language as well as teach them how to sing and count! As the children get the hang of it – they can make a list of things they would like you to teach or tell them.

Believe it or not! Spring is here!

March 27, 2015 – 10:12 am

Easter Eggs: Bee Egg

With this project, kids blow an egg, then turn it into a flying wonder. All you need is a raw egg, paint, craft supplies, and fishing line for hanging the egg. The best part? This blown-egg creature will keep indefinitely.

Materials

eggs
newsprint
egg dye
paper towels
birthday candles or crayons

red and black acrylic or tempera paint
brushes
white tissue
glue

Instructions

Blow the Egg: Wash and dry the raw egg. Cover your table with newsprint and set out bowls, pushpins, and paper towels. Shake the egg to break the yolk. Next, pierce the top and bottom with a pushpin, making the hole on the wider end a bit larger. Position the egg over the bowl and blow through the small hole, allowing the inside of the egg to seep into the bowl. Set the empty egg, with the large hole down, in an egg carton to dry. Be sure children wash their hands after handling raw egg.
Degg-orate the Egg: Let the kids paint half of the egg, stand it atop a bottle cap to dry (use a hair dryer to speed things up), then paint the other half. Centering the face on either hole, paint on features with contrasting colors. Paint your bee bright yellow, then paint on a red smile, black eyes, and black stripes. Glue on white tissue paper wings.
Take Flight: Tape a long length of fishing line to the end of an unfolded paper clip. Starting at the small hole, thread the line through the decorated egg and out the large hole. To keep your flying critter upright, tape the fishing line just above the hole in the critter’s back. Hang it from the ceiling or an egg tree.

Grow a Grassapillar

Celebrate the arrival of spring by bringing this fuzzy critter to life.Begin by mixing 3/4 cup of potting soil and 2 tablespoons of grass seed in a bowl. Add water to moisten the mixture, then set it aside.Cut away a three-cup section of an egg carton, then trim the section along the longer edges so that your grassapillar will look the same from both sides. With a permanent marker, draw a face on one end as shown. Gently spoon the seed mixture into the cups.

Set your creation on a dish in a brightly lit spot and keep the soil moist. The grass should sprout in about a week.

Origami Butterfly

Origami, Japan’s traditional craft of paper-folding, has been used since the 10th century to sculpt animals and wrap gifts. Animals, birds, fish and insects are favorite origami subjects. After folding the butterfly featured here, you can make it flutter by pressing on its back with the tip of your finger.

Materials

6 x 6-inch sheet of origami paper
Glue
1 x 4-inch strips of origami paper or curling ribbon

Scissors
2 googly eyes
Markers

Instructions

This colorful creature is created not by metamorphosis but by folding the origami paper in half to form a triangle.
Fold the triangle in half again.
Unfold the second triangle, then fold each side so that it crosses the center crease at a right angle.
(Continuation of above directions.)
Unfold. Glue on the strips for antennae and curl them using the edge of a scissor. Glue on the googly eyes and decorate with markers.

Christmas Party 2014

January 4, 2015 – 11:51 am

Our Holiday Party was held at my home. Au Pairs brought dishes from their country to serve with a full turkey dinner. There was a traditional Yankee Swap after which everyone was divided into teams and were given tissue paper, cotton balls, streamers and masking tape to create a Santa. The results were amazing!

Halloween is Coming!!!

October 11, 2014 – 3:55 pm

Goblins and Ghosts stay safe!

Make sure to inspect the children’s Trick Or Treat candy to make sure everything is in a sealed wrapper and appears safe.
Small children should not eat hard candy because of chocking.
Children should be supervised when they go Trick-or-Treating. Many parents will come home early from work on the day to go with their children. Check with Host Parents about this.

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers

Halloween is a wonderful holiday, but because of increased foot traffic and that Trick-or-Treaters are out at night, the potential for automobile related accidents with young pedestrians increases four times on this night according to a CDC (Center for Disease Control) study.

Streets are literally crawling with all sorts of witches, ghosts, goblins, vampires and all other sorts of costumed people. This makes for added responsibility for drivers to make sure that they drive safer than normal.

In many areas, people drive their kids into subdivisions and let them out to walk from house to house. Usually the parent follows behind in the car. This can cause traffic jams in small areas and much confusion as kids dart between cars on the streets going from house to house. A driver is already distracted because they are trying to keep an eye on their own kids and usually aren’t paying attention to much else.

Children and adults tend to be preoccupied and may not pay as much attention to safety as they should. They may not see your vehicle or just assume that you see them automatically. Stay on the defensive and you shouldn’t have a problem while driving on Halloween night

* Don’t use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving on Halloween night. You shouldn’t be doing this anyway, the rate of cell phone related auto accidents has jumped dramatically since the use of cell phones and texting has risen so high. Some states have already made laws concerning this and others are working on it.

Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars. Left them know if they carry a flash light to never shine itin the eyes of a driver. This can cause blindness on the drivers part temporarily and they may not see your child

Haunted Happenings in October

The month of October brings exciting activities to the city of Salem, Massachusetts. There are many activities relating to the city’s history and penchant for things macabre, including walking tours, haunted houses, trolley rides, spooky performances, exhibits, harbor cruiss and more. Visit their website for all the details: http://www.hauntedhappenings.org/

In Westford MA, visit Witches Woods http://witchswoods.com . Haunted Hayride and Halloween Screampark – open Thursday – Sunday nights 6:30-10:30.

Blueberry Picking

July 22, 2014 – 2:49 pm

Ripe for the picking!

It is time for blueberries – picking is ripe!

Consider taking the kids to Honey Pot Orchard in Stow. Not only can you pick berries in the patch, you can have fun in the Hedge and tunnel maze, and picnic by the barnyard animals.

Honey Pot Hill

THE BLUEBERRY PATCH

The blueberry patch is open for picking with lot’s of berries. Go to the store to get information about container sizes (which they provide) and price. The containers take a long time to fill so if you’re with little ones be careful about the size you buy!

Cider donuts and caramel apples made fresh daily and can also be purchased at their store.

race to the center!

The Hedge Maze

Go and have lots of fun getting lost in the Hedge maze, the exact replica of the famous ‘Hampton Court’ Maze in England. Great fun for the kids, ages 4 thru 11. There is also a Tunnel maze for children (no adults) to crawl through. All for $1.50 per person.

Barnyard Animals

At the Barnyard!

Visit with the barnyard animals – “3 little pigs”, 10 energetic goats playing on their goat walk,
the never ending cock-a-doodle-doo
roosters,
bunnies
and ducks.